The Kodagu police have launched an investigation into the mysterious incident involving the ferrying of a dead woman in a car from Mysuru to Kodagu late on Friday (November 14) night.
Forest department officials at the Maldare-Lingapura forest check post intercepted the Haryana-registered vehicle around midnight. Three men and one woman were traveling in the car. When questioned, the men claimed the woman was “sleeping”. However, forest workers, suspicious of their reactions, inspected the vehicle and found that the woman was already dead.
The forest department immediately alerted the Siddapura police in Kodagu. The police arrived at the scene and found discrepancies in the statements of the three men and detained them for further questioning.
According to K. Ramarajan, Superintendent of Police, Kodagu district, the deceased has been identified as Nanki Devi, 45, of Bhamboor village in Sirsa district of Haryana. A ligature mark was found on her neck, raising further suspicion.
Police said the woman and her husband lived in Mysuru. However, she allegedly eloped with Rakesh Kumar, also from Haryana, and lived with him in the city. During interrogation, Rakesh and two other residents – Vikas and Satbir – claimed that Nanki Devi had attempted suicide in Mysuru and that they were taking her to a hospital in Kodagu in an attempt to revive her.
Although the trio insists she was alive when they set out on their journey, investigators question their decision to travel all the way from Mysuru to Kodagu instead of seeking medical help in Mysuru. “We still have to find out whether they were taking her to the hospital or trying to dispose of the body,” a police official said.
Superintendent of Police K. Ramarajan said at first sight it appeared to be a suicide. “But it has to be officially confirmed,” he said, adding that a full explanation of the incident would likely be available on Sunday, November 17, after hearing eyewitnesses.
(Those in distress and having suicidal thoughts can call the state-run Arogya Sahayavani helpline 104 or toll-free number 14416 for counselling.)
Published – 15 Nov 2025 19:23 IST
